Different people, both residents and expatriates, have been expressing their attachment with Qatar in unique and creative ways. The expression has become much stronger since the country has been undergoing an unjust siege laid by its neighbouring countries for over three years.
There have been numerous artworks created by artistic minds to vindicate their association with Qatar while observing the third anniversary of blockade that was observed recently. Ayaz Abbas Ahmad Karai is one of many expatriates who has shown their loyalty towards Qatar. Hailing from Mumbai in India, Ayaz is not a professional artist but loves to express himself and his ideas in artistic creative ways.
Ayaz, who returned to Qatar last year after almost two decades, felt dejected over the ongoing blockade and decided to show his affiliation with the country in a novel way. He has come up with an innovative logo merging both Arabic and English script of “Qatar”. Community recently spoke to Ayaz about his idea and artistic work.
The Indian expatriate is aware of the fact that he is not a trained artist but believes that one does not need to be an artist to be creative. “Basically, I have my expertise in the transportation and logistics field. I am working as a transport manager for Trags Engineerings in Doha. I however have been involved in different artistic creation even when I was in India and other countries where I have worked. A few months ago, I created a similar kind of logo merging the English and Arabic scripts of “Doha” with “2020.” I am also conscious of the fact that art and creativity has been receiving due recognition in Qatar.”
Sharing details about his early stay and work in Qatar, Ayaz said: “From 1995 to 2000, I worked for Qatar National Hotels Co. now called Katara. I returned to Qatar after almost two decades in September last year. I had also worked in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and South Africa but I always remembered my time in Qatar. There is something special about Qatar that cannot be expressed in words. As I got a chance to return to the country, I could not say no.”
When asked about his interest in art, Ayaz said: “Yes, I am very much fascinated by art. Artistic ability includes skills and talent to create fine works of art such as calligraphy, creating logos, painting, drawing, sculpting, musical composition, etc. Creative ability is the skill and talent to use our imagination to create artworks and resolve different issues. An artist is always creative. But, you don’t have to be an artist to be creative.”
In response to the question about conceiving the idea of coming up with the logo of jointly presenting Qatar in English and Arabic, he said: “Just recently I finished doing the calligraphy of “Doha 2022” for the upcoming FIFA cup. Since then creating Qatar logo has always been there in the back of my mind as I wanted to create something unique where people of Qatar should feel proud of. I also wanted to express my feeling of association with Qatar.”
When asked what has been his inspiration and motivation behind the artwork, he said: “Even the most talented individuals run out of creative juice every now and then. There are days when we are overflowing with ideas and beaming with imagination and energy. Then there are those days when we ask ourselves why we even bothered to get out of bed. Gaining insight into what fellow artists and thinkers have experienced and learned throughout their lives can be a refreshing way to start getting motivated and generating new ideas.
“I am very much impressed by Qatar as it is a country with golden heart which stood against all odds no matter what that hardships have been. My message for people of Qatar would be “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, but who you have beside you.”
